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      A term used in the VoIP world to describe a physical piece of equipment 
      used to make VoIP calls. The term come about to distinguish the use of 
      VoIP hardware from VoIP software (Softphone) as both can be made to make 
      VoIP calls. 
      Hardphones don't need computer software or a connection to a computer 
      to make VoIP calls, they typically plug directly into you 
      broadband router 
      and calls are made as per a traditional landline phone. 
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